Intimate Wedding at Como Zoo Conservatory’s Japanese Gardens | Em + Soph

Em and Soph chose one of the most dreamy, breathtaking places in the Twin Cities to promise forever – the Como Zoo’s Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul, MN. On a soft spring day with the most delicious lighting, surrounded by fresh blooms and quiet pathways, their intimate wedding felt beautifully personal and full of intention. 

Sunset portraits in the Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Stunning bridal portrait of bride with dress spread out around her and the sun shining through the trees.
Close-up of two brides holding up their wedding gowns to show the back of their white heels.
One bride with her arms wrapped around her bride as they smile with a golden glow of the Como Zoo gardens behind them.
Bridal portraits with bride spinning on the pathway with her flowy gown with the sun shining through the trees.
Two brides hugging and laughing for outdoor portraits at Como Zoo.
Outdoor wedding portraits with two brides outside Como Zoo photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Two brides laughing and holding up their dresses as they walk through the Como Zoo gardens.
Two brides dancing on the bridge at Como Zoo Park.

Em and Soph had an intimate ceremony in the conservatory’s Japanese Garden. They walked down the pathway together, side by side. After the ceremony, the two took a moment alone to exchange private vows in the garden.

Intimate ceremony at Como Zoo's Japanese Gardens photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Intimate ceremony at Como Zoo's Japanese Gardens photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Intimate ceremony at Como Zoo's Japanese Gardens photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Intimate ceremony at Como Zoo's Japanese Gardens photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Intimate ceremony at Como Zoo's Japanese Gardens photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Two brides walk hand in hand with their pink and cream bouquets after intimate ceremony in Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo.
Two brides sitting on a bench in the Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo exchanging vows.
Two brides holding hands and two vow books in their laps at Como Zoo wedding.
Two brides walking side by side with their bouquets in the air as they walk down the pathway in the Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo.

Next, the celebration moved to the open patio where Em and Soph shared a choreographed dance to Can’t Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart. The couple and their guests then enjoyed a reception in the conservatory’s Bonsai collection. The party celebrated with appetizers and cake for a relaxed and fun evening. One of my favorite reception details is their adorable glass blown fish cake toppers, in ode to their last name.

Outdoor wedding portraits as two brides walk side by side down the pathway in front of the Como Zoo Conservatory in St. Paul.
Two brides sharing a choreographed dance outside the Como Zoo Conservatory.
Two brides sharing a choreographed dance outside the Como Zoo Conservatory.
Two brides sharing a choreographed dance outside the Como Zoo Conservatory.
Intimate sweetheart table at Como Zoo Conservatory.
Dirty Shirley signature cocktail at Como Zoo wedding.
Rock painting table at wedding at Como Zoo.
Fish themed wedding cake at Como Zoo.
Two brides sitting side by side at a sweetheart table during reception at Como Zoo Conservatory.

For their wedding day, Em and Soph wanted the day to be about love and togetherness with the people who matter the most. Their day was full of choosing to reflect who they are, how they love each other, and the life they are building side by side. I am so happy I got to document their love and this happy, joyful day!

Sunset portraits in the Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Two brides standing to face each other as the sun sets behind them in the Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo.
Two brides holding hands in the Japanese Gardens as the sun sets.
Sunset portraits in the Japanese Gardens at Como Zoo photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.
Night portraits with two brides sitting on the steps outside of the Como Zoo Conservatory photographed by Jeannine Marie Photography.

Venue: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo

Photographer: Jeannine Marie Photography

Planner: Green Dress Planning

Caterer: Lancer Catering

Bridal Shop: The Wedding Shoppe

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